Career and Education Opportunities for Physical Therapy Assistants in Washington

Washington has a population of 6,664,195, which has grown by 13.07% over the past 10 years. Nicknamed the "Evergreen State," its capital is Olympia, though its most populous city is Seattle.

There are currently 1,080 jobs for physical therapy assistants in Washington and this is projected to grow 30% to 1,410 jobs by 2016. This is not quite as good as the nation as a whole, where employment opportunities for physical therapy assistants are expected to grow by about 33.3%. Physical therapy assistants generally assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.

Income for physical therapy assistants is about $22 per hour or $47,150 annually on average in Washington. Nationally, their income is about $22 per hour or $46,140 annually. Earnings for physical therapy assistants are better than earnings in the general category of Physical Therapy in Washington and better than general Physical Therapy category earnings nationally. Physical therapy assistants work in a variety of jobs, including: physical therapy technician, rehabilitation assistant, and physical therapy technican.

In 2008, there were a total of 4,012,270 jobs in Washington. The average annual income was $42,747 in 2008, up from $41,919 the preceding year. The unemployment rate in Washington was 8.9% in 2009, which has grown by 3.5% since the previous year. Roughly 27.7% of Washington residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Washington include software publishers, offices of dentists, and overhead traveling crane, hoist, and monorail system manufacturing. Notable tourist attractions include the Boeing and Eames IMAX Theatres, the Laser Fantasy International, and the History House.

CITIES WITH Physical Therapy Assistant OPPORTUNITIES IN Washington

JOB DESCRIPTION: Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, physical therapy assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. They also may, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.

Every day, physical therapy assistants are expected to be able to articulate ideas and problems. They need to listen to and understand others in meetings. It is also important that they speak clearly.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Washington include:

Physical Therapy Aide. Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Washington

Washington photo by Kelvin Kay

Washington has a population of 6,664,195, which has grown by 13.07% over the past 10 years. Nicknamed the "Evergreen State," its capital is Olympia, though its largest city is Seattle. In 2008, there were a total of 4,012,270 jobs in Washington. The average annual income was $42,747 in 2008, up from $41,919 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Washington was 8.9% in 2009, which has grown by 3.5% since the previous year. About 27.7% of Washington residents have college degrees, which is higher than the national average.

The top industries in Washington include software publishers, offices of dentists, and overhead traveling crane, hoist, and monorail system manufacturing. Notable tourist destinations include the Birthplace of Seattle Log House Museum, the History House, and the Boeing and Eames IMAX Theatres.